NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (October 18, 2018) – The Orange County Industrial Development Agency Chairman Robert T. Armistead announced last Thursday that he will be retiring from the organization’s Board of Directors at the end of October. IDA Vice Chairwoman Mary Ellen Rogulski was unanimously voted by the board to replace Armistead, effective immediately. Rogulski will serve as the Orange County IDA’s first female chair.
“I have enjoyed serving Orange County in my capacity as a board member and later as a chairman during these past 15 years,” said Armistead at the IDA’s Thursday, Oct. 11 board meeting. “I am retiring with many great memories in all that we have accomplished in serving the taxpayers of Orange County.”
Armistead was appointed to the IDA Board of Directors in 2003 and was elected as chairman in 2012. As chairman, Armistead has provided oversight on IDA projects such as The Accelerator, a certified New York State incubator focused on bringing manufacturing back to the mid-Hudson Valley. The IDA recently reported that The Accelerator will have created more than 100 jobs by the end of 2018. In his role of chairman, Armistead has also voted to provide incentives for new businesses in Orange County, such as LEGOLAND New York Resort, and expanding businesses like IBM.
“Bob has been an incredible asset to our board,” said Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Laurie Villasuso. “He has helped to propel the organization in an upward direction and we are confident Mary Ellen will build on that momentum.”
Armistead will also retire from his position on the Orange County Funding Corporation, where he serves as chairman.
Additionally, Armistead serves as CEO and president of Armistead Mechanical, Inc. Services in Campbell Hall, N.Y. Originally founded as Armstead Mechanical, Inc. in 1987 by Armistead and his brother, Kevin, the company incorporated AMI Services, Inc. in 1989 and has since grown into a multi-million-dollar company. Armistead possesses more than 50 years of experience in plumbing, HVAC, process piping and mechanical construction. He is also a former engineering officer with the United States Navy.
Mary Ann Rogulski has served on the Orange County IDA since 2008 and in her former role as Vice Chairwoman since 2016.
“I am honored to have the support of my fellow board members, especially since I am the first woman to serve as chair of the IDA,” said Rogulski. “I look forward to utilizing my business expertise to continue fostering meaningful development in Orange County and build on Bob’s successes. I believe we will see continued growth across the sector in 2019, including the positive economic impact created by The Accelerator.”
Rogulski has more than 40 years of experience in banking. She was the chief lending officer at Orange Bank & Trust Company, where she worked from 2002 until she retired in 2017. Previously, Rogulski worked at Provident Bank, where she served as a commercial loan officer.
Additionally, Rogulski is a member of the St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital Board of Trustees and the treasurer of Inspire. In both her professional and civic involvement, she has demonstrated commitment and leadership.
The remaining board members include Second Vice Chairman John Steinberg, Jr; Secretary Stephen Brescia; Assistant Secretary Edward A. Diana; Robert J. Schreibeis, Sr.; and James DiSalvo.
